Howard Frick

1930 - 2018

Howard Frick
1930 - 2018

Howard Frick died peacefully March 25 holding hands with his wife. He was 87. He was born to Forrest and Ruth Frick November 14, 1930, in Weedpatch. A town in the Lamont area. He attended Vineland school and many years later was president of the Vineland School District Board of trustees. He attended Kern County Union High School. He spent a year at Bakersfield College before transferring to UC Davis where he received a degree in Plant science. Following his graduation, he married Diane Bringolf and they immediately reported to Kelly Air Force base and found his talent as a pilot. He eventually flew Gooney Birds a.k.a.(DC-3) for a weather unit. Howard also had the opportunity to fly the XR-99 when it came back to Kelly. A thrill he often remembered.

In 1957 they moved back home to the farm where he was raised. Accompanying them, their twin boys Brian and Douglas. Son Alan was soon born followed by their daughter Lisa. They were married 16 years when he suddenly became a widower. He was a wonderful single parent but his menus were somewhat limited except on Sundays when he fixed his waffles with warm berry compote. Soon he met a widow, Susan Castle and her young daughter Missy. The family blended well, the menus improved greatly. The Sunday waffles became a tradition for years to come. They had a wonderfully adventurous life for 45 years.

Over the years, Howard grew a variety of crops and often found himself on various boards supporting those crops. He was a past president of Kern County Farm Bureau. A director of Western Growers and National Potato Board. Soon Howard became involved in California water issues. In 1967 Howard joined Kern Delta Water District and served as president for 12 years. He retired in 2017 after 50 years of service. In 1973 he joined Arvin Edison Water Storage District and was elected president and chaired the board for 26 years. He retired this March after 45 years. He became the elder statesman of both boards. Howard also served on Friant Water Authority, Bay-Delta Advisory Board, CVP Water Authority, to name a few.

Howard continued flying for many years after leaving the AirForce. He used his own plane for business and pleasure. Many a season he took fellow growers to buy seed potato for Gold Ribbon Potato. Howard worked hard, which allowed him to play hard and this gave him the ability to pursue many interests. He took up skiing and sailing in his forties, always generously handing out an invitation to whoever felt brave enough to go. At home, Howard loved gunsmithing and model railroads. He became an avid Civil War buff and built (from scratch) a 1/16 scale of a Parrott rifle. It works too! One of the greatest joys in his life was his Great Danes. Most days he could be seen driving with a large dog head resting on his shoulder. You always knew If you rode with Howard, you rode with a Great Dane!

There are many who can tell tales of Howard's adventures but his nephew summed it up best. "Uncle Howard was kind, generous, and funny. His personal bravery (daredevil skiing, flying, sailing, etc) was extraordinary. The world will miss him."

Howard is survived by his wife Susan. His son Brian and wife Kristi; his son Douglas and son Alan and his wife Penapa. Daughter Lisa Caroline Frick and daughter Melissa Frick Thorn. Together they have 6 grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his first wife Diane, brother Kenneth and sisters Jeanette Biggar and Virginia O'Brian.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 2, at 11 am at Trinity Anglican Church. 11300 Campus Park Dr. Bakersfield. A celebration of his life will follow at the Petroleum Club.

The family suggests donations be made to Bakersfield College Foundation 1801 Panorama Dr. Bakersfield, 93305. Note Forrest and Ruth Frick Scholarship in the memo line. Or Trinity Anglican Church. 11300 Campus Park Dr. Bakersfield, 93311. Note building fund in the memo line.